View full sizeLynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer Slow down and pull up a chair. An afternoon spot of tea is a lovely way to sip away a winter day.

It's time to reclaim the tea party. At least for an afternoon. No, not the controversial po litical movement -- the original tea party. This elegant ritual is a delightful, calming way to spend a winter afternoon. Read on for some of the Best Spots for an Afternoon Cuppa. (And no talking politics at tea, please.)

Tea at the Ritz-Carlton, 1515 West Third St., Cleveland, 216-902-5255: Yes, it's pricey. But it's worth the splurge. The highest of High Teas, served in the gilded Lobby Lounge on the sixth floor of the Ritz, really is a special occasion. Seatings begin at noon most Saturdays and Sundays. Guests can order the High Tea for $28, which includes a selection of sandwiches, including smoked salmon and cucumber, and pastries such as white chocolate mousse and vanilla-raisin scones, plus a pot of tea. The Light Tea, $23, includes pastries and tea. The Taylors of Harrogate tea selection features the Ritz's special blend, "Blue Sapphire," Darjeeling, Earl Grey and more. There's a Children's Tea Menu, $16, with kid-friendly peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches and cupcakes. The Ritz also hosts special-event teas throughout the year, including Mother's Day and a Teddy Bear Tea. Reservations a must.

Southern Gardens Tea Room, 497 Portage Lakes Road, 330-644-8363: Akron-area tea fans can delight in a more casual afternoon tea or a formal, filling High Tea at this pretty establishment. Afternoon tea, $12.95, includes quiche, finger sandwiches, cakes and tea. High Tea, $19.95, includes more sandwiches, pastries and seasonal fruit. Reservations required 24 hours in advance for High Tea. More than 50 teas available.

Emerald Necklace Inn and Tea Parlor, 18840 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, 440-333-9100: It doesn't look like much from the outside, but on the inside, Emerald Necklace -- named for the Metroparks next door -- is a charming Victorian-style parlor. Tea can be ordered by the cup with a la carte menu items. Or, for $19.95, try the tea tasting with a pot of tea; soup; a scone and bread plate served with lemon curd and Devonshire cream; three tea sandwiches; and quiche with fresh fruit. Served daily after 11:30 a.m. Princess tea parties for little girls are available by reservation, and include tea, tiaras, cupcakes and etiquette instruction.

Clementine's, 8092 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, 440-235-1223: Oh, my darling . . . it's all old-school at this charming cafe located in the equally charming historic Grand Pacific Junction shopping center. After a day browsing, why not check out Clementine's High Tea, served daily after 11 a.m. (after noon on Sundays)? For $16.95, your tea includes scones, bread, an assortment of pastries (including pecan bar, chocolate truffle and cream puffs) and tea sandwiches and a pot of tea. Reservations a must for High Tea.

Miss Molly's Tea Room and Gift Shop, 140 W. Washington St., Medina, 330-725-6830: A great spot for a girls' day out -- girls of all ages. With lacy doilies, fancy china, dolls and knickknacks covering the walls and a dainty menu of finger sandwiches, soups, salads and scones, Miss Molly's is geared toward ladies-who-tea. The tea menu is extensive, with herbal choices along with the hard stuff. Don't miss the loose cinnamon tea or the wonderful tea-room sandwich sampler, with three heart-shaped sandwiches: chicken salad, tuna salad and Southern-style pimiento cheese. Little ladies can order chocolate milk in a teapot, along with heart-shaped peanut butter-and-jam sandwiches and other sweet children's treats.

Algebra Tea Room, 2136 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland, 216-421-9007: A hip, shabby-chic cozy tea room/coffee shop popular with students from nearby Case Western Reserve University. No pretensions, no lace doilies, just a great simple menu and a relaxed atmosphere. Choose from 18 teas, even more loose teas, in-house roasted coffee, smoothies, milkshakes and sandwiches and pastries with a Middle Eastern flavor.

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